A Day of Ritual, Reclamation, and Reconnection

For the first time since our inaugural retreat in 2018, Melanin Meets Mindfulness is hosting our second mindfulness retreat. With the theme, “A Day of Ritual, Reclamation, and Reconnection,” we plan to offer the opportunity for Black women to slow down the hectic pace of their lives, rest their bodies, settle the mind, and tap into the heart. The goal is simple—to hold sacred space together, to reclaim ourselves, reconnect with our spirit, reconnection with one another in community, and renew ourselves through compassionate and tender care.

As a collective, we will find refuge by using our mindfulness practice to focus on the stillness of the body and the movement of the breath. It is through stillness and the quieting of the mind that we can hear our hearts and access our inner wisdom. More than anything, though, this retreat is designed to provide space and time for quiet reflection, and being able to come home to yourself. And it is the coming home to yourself that creates a path toward healing.

Given the hardships that Black women endure, it is so necessary to have safe spaces where we can simply be and breathe. In the words of Ogorchukwu,

“breathe.
there is a silent
resistance
in your presence.”

Black women, now is the time for our full, authentic presence—in our lives, and in the world. There is nothing more powerful than a Black woman who is well rested, clear eyed, rooted, grounded, present and aware. May we always remember this.

Location

Camp Pollock
1501 Northgate Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95815

The location of the retreat, Camp Pollock, is located in the heart of the Lower American River Parkway, just north of downtown Sacramento. It sits on the northbank of the American River, between Cal Expo and the confluence with the Sacramento River at Discovery Park. This is a serene location that will facilitate dropping deeply into mindfulness meditation practice.

How to Prepare/What To Bring

Please wear comfortable clothing for the retreat, as most of the day will be spent engaging in a mindfulness practice of one sort or another. There will be some sitting meditation, walking meditation, and, for those of whom it feels comfortable, meditation lying down. So, it might be helpful to bring a meditation cushion if you have one, a yoga mat for those moments when you feel called to rest your body lying down, and a journal for writing if that’s helpful for you. And, although not necessary, some folks like to have a light blanket to use during the course of sitting meditation as well. All of these are suggestions, but, please bring whatever supports you might need to maximize the benefit of your mindfulness practice.

Nourishment

Lunch and light snacks will be provided for retreat attendees.

COVID-19 Safety Protocols

Proof of vaccination will be required to participate in this mindfulness retreat., and will be checked upon entry. And, while the plan is to host the retreat outdoors, the retreat may be moved indoors upon inclement weather. In this event, consistent with local public health guidelines, face coverings are to be worn, regardless of vaccination status.